Which teeth showed recession in the gingival margins?

• A. Teeth 8 and 9
• B. Teeth 7 and 8
• C. Teeth 9 and 10
• D. Teeth 6 and 7

Answer: (A)

Gingival recession occurs when the gingival margin moves apically from the cementoenamel junction, exposing more of the root surface. Clinically, you determine recession by measuring the distance from the CEJ to the gingival margin; a positive value means the margin has shifted downward toward the root tip.

In this case, the gingival margins on the two upper central incisors are positioned apical to their CEJs, indicating recession of those teeth. The other teeth shown keep their margins at or coronal to the CEJ, so they do not exhibit recession. Factors like a thin gingival biotype or trauma from brushing or orthodontic movement can contribute to recession, which helps explain why these particular teeth show it.